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A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller #9
The Darkness at Deception Pass
It's not the fall that kills you.
Three years ago, the body of an elderly woman was found in the cool waters beneath the Deception Pass Bridge near Whidbey Island, Washigton. Two years later, a deceased man of almost ninety floated onto the pebbly shore of Bremerton, just south of the Manette Bridge. Each case left the authorities puzzled. Were these the final acts of individuals lost to despair, or were they meticulously staged murders?
Two inexplicable deaths, two years apart, the cases colder than the waters where the bodies were found.
Until now.
When a third body turns up in the chilling waters of Deception Pass, Thomas Austin and the Kitsap Sheriff's Department are on the case. Together, they embark on a quest to connect the dots between past mysteries and the present horror, unraveling a thread that leads to an unthinkable crime.
In Book 9 of the Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series, Austin is confronted with his first case as a detective for the Kitsap Sheriff's department. But as he gets closer to the deadly truth and the twisted individuals behind it, it may just be his last.
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No PointBook 2: The Shadows of Pike PlaceBook 3: The Fallen of Foulweather BluffBook 4: The Horror at Murden CoveBook 5: The Terror in the Emerald CityBook 6: The Drowning at Dyes InletBook 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan BeachBook 8: The Silence at Mystery BayBook 9: The Darkness at Deception Pass
Three years ago, the body of an elderly woman was found in the cool waters beneath the Deception Pass Bridge near Whidbey Island, Washigton. Two years later, a deceased man of almost ninety floated onto the pebbly shore of Bremerton, just south of the Manette Bridge. Each case left the authorities puzzled. Were these the final acts of individuals lost to despair, or were they meticulously staged murders?
Two inexplicable deaths, two years apart, the cases colder than the waters where the bodies were found.
Until now.
When a third body turns up in the chilling waters of Deception Pass, Thomas Austin and the Kitsap Sheriff's Department are on the case. Together, they embark on a quest to connect the dots between past mysteries and the present horror, unraveling a thread that leads to an unthinkable crime.
In Book 9 of the Thomas Austin Crime Thriller series, Austin is confronted with his first case as a detective for the Kitsap Sheriff's department. But as he gets closer to the deadly truth and the twisted individuals behind it, it may just be his last.
Series List (can be read in any order):
Book 1: The Bones at Point No PointBook 2: The Shadows of Pike PlaceBook 3: The Fallen of Foulweather BluffBook 4: The Horror at Murden CoveBook 5: The Terror in the Emerald CityBook 6: The Drowning at Dyes InletBook 7: The Nightmare at Manhattan BeachBook 8: The Silence at Mystery BayBook 9: The Darkness at Deception Pass
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2024
1650 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 16, 2026
I recently found this series by D.D. Black, which intrigues me and I devour these thrillers. This book challenges Thomas Austin in new ways no one might predict. I enjoyed delving into the dark aspects that emerge at this local revelation. Black impresses with this ninth book in the series.
It was three years ago that an elderly woman’s body was found beneath Deception Pass Bridge. The community of Whidbey Island is confused, especially as no one can find any answers. Two years later, an elder man is found floating close to the Manette Bridge, which leaves the authorities equally flummoxed. Were these two bodies connected and might there have been a serial killer on the loose? Now, a third body of an elderly man is found, once more at Deception Pass. Thomas Austin, new detective with Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department, begins working the case. What looks like a potential case of fraud soon explodes into a massive discovery that shakes Austin and those with whom he works to the core. The elderly in Washington State are usually protected, but something has happened, leaving them in the hands of a killer with no sense of compassion. D. D. Black sends shivers up the spine of any reader who takes time to attentively read this novel.
These books of D. D. Black’s keep my interest with their varied crimes. The narrative introduces a grievous case that shows many of Thomas Austin’s skills working as a full-fledged detective. The story works well with short chapters that keep the investigation moving and provides momentum for the reader to learn more about Thomas Austin’s techniques. The series has shown numerous sides of Austin and his time in the Pacific Northwest, enabling fans of the collection to see definite growth. This novel takes the series into a darker and more heartbreaking direction, with definite shades of light to counteract some of the revelations.
Characters work well in this series, as Black constructs personalities that always flavour the story at hand. Thomas Austin has grown significantly in the series, reinventing himself after the murder of his wife and discovery of her killer. Now, he’s a detective with Kitsap County, showing off his many skills as he learns a great deal. Secondary characters play an important role, keeping Austin feeling supported and challenged, while also taking the series in many directions. No one overshadows Austin’s role, nor do they bow at his presence. A balance of new and returning characters offers significant contrasts and permits Black to show his abilities.
Plot points offer great tension in this thriller that has its own uniqueness. Black keeps the surprises plentiful and does not permit the reader to easily predict what is to come. This keeps the reader engaged as the case progresses, twisting the series in ways series fans will surely enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Black, for something difficult to read, but an essential addition to the collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
It was three years ago that an elderly woman’s body was found beneath Deception Pass Bridge. The community of Whidbey Island is confused, especially as no one can find any answers. Two years later, an elder man is found floating close to the Manette Bridge, which leaves the authorities equally flummoxed. Were these two bodies connected and might there have been a serial killer on the loose? Now, a third body of an elderly man is found, once more at Deception Pass. Thomas Austin, new detective with Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department, begins working the case. What looks like a potential case of fraud soon explodes into a massive discovery that shakes Austin and those with whom he works to the core. The elderly in Washington State are usually protected, but something has happened, leaving them in the hands of a killer with no sense of compassion. D. D. Black sends shivers up the spine of any reader who takes time to attentively read this novel.
These books of D. D. Black’s keep my interest with their varied crimes. The narrative introduces a grievous case that shows many of Thomas Austin’s skills working as a full-fledged detective. The story works well with short chapters that keep the investigation moving and provides momentum for the reader to learn more about Thomas Austin’s techniques. The series has shown numerous sides of Austin and his time in the Pacific Northwest, enabling fans of the collection to see definite growth. This novel takes the series into a darker and more heartbreaking direction, with definite shades of light to counteract some of the revelations.
Characters work well in this series, as Black constructs personalities that always flavour the story at hand. Thomas Austin has grown significantly in the series, reinventing himself after the murder of his wife and discovery of her killer. Now, he’s a detective with Kitsap County, showing off his many skills as he learns a great deal. Secondary characters play an important role, keeping Austin feeling supported and challenged, while also taking the series in many directions. No one overshadows Austin’s role, nor do they bow at his presence. A balance of new and returning characters offers significant contrasts and permits Black to show his abilities.
Plot points offer great tension in this thriller that has its own uniqueness. Black keeps the surprises plentiful and does not permit the reader to easily predict what is to come. This keeps the reader engaged as the case progresses, twisting the series in ways series fans will surely enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Black, for something difficult to read, but an essential addition to the collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 30, 2025
A Great Plot
This is another great read by D. D. Black. As a senior myself with some experience having had a mother in assisted living, this plot was very intense. Too many real life scams are aimed at seniors nowadays, so this hit a strongly realistic theme!
This is another great read by D. D. Black. As a senior myself with some experience having had a mother in assisted living, this plot was very intense. Too many real life scams are aimed at seniors nowadays, so this hit a strongly realistic theme!
October 23, 2024
Great
I like the mystery and suspense in the book. It brought up some awful elder abuse that could happen. The characters and descriptions of Washington State are wonderful.
I like the mystery and suspense in the book. It brought up some awful elder abuse that could happen. The characters and descriptions of Washington State are wonderful.
November 14, 2024
keeps getting better
As usual.... a great book. Austin is one of my all time favorite characters. I can’t wait to start next book
As usual.... a great book. Austin is one of my all time favorite characters. I can’t wait to start next book
January 31, 2026
Another winner in this brilliant series.
July 13, 2025
D D Black has become one of my favorite authors. It’s not simply the story line, there’s lots of similar story lines, it’s the way the story is told. This author brings you in.
December 26, 2024
I love this series and these characters but this one just didn’t do it for me.
December 14, 2025
This might be the most horrifying of all the books in this series.
February 20, 2026
2.75 stars
April 27, 2026
Another winner
I like how the author always uses relatable relevant topics to base,his book around. Elder abuse is a sad but not often talked about problem that has taken a hold in our society. Elder issues are often overlooked or underserved in communities. When the care of our own elder family members comes into focus it exposes the good and the ugly facts of life.
I like how the author always uses relatable relevant topics to base,his book around. Elder abuse is a sad but not often talked about problem that has taken a hold in our society. Elder issues are often overlooked or underserved in communities. When the care of our own elder family members comes into focus it exposes the good and the ugly facts of life.
August 11, 2025
You really cannot go wrong with a Thomas Austin book. I love the characters and I love the stories dark though they are.
July 25, 2025
I don't like cops and I am not a fan of cop stories. But I do like stories that take place where I live, so I thought I'd give this a try. It's stupid. The woman cop is every embodiment of why I don't like cops, she has jumped to conclusions and now is conducting the investigation to fit the narrative that she has already decided on. Plus, what happened to the Island County cops, they just disappeared? I got about a third of the way in, maybe it gets better. Too many better books to read, I'll return this one to the library.
November 10, 2024
The series gets better and better
I've made it through 8 books, and am happy to say each one has gotten more and more enjoyable. This story will have you frustrated then cheering with Austin and his mates as they address a very relevant issue facing our society today. And Run has a new playmate!!
I've made it through 8 books, and am happy to say each one has gotten more and more enjoyable. This story will have you frustrated then cheering with Austin and his mates as they address a very relevant issue facing our society today. And Run has a new playmate!!
January 29, 2025
Great stories!
I really enjoy the stories in this series and also the S.W.O.R.D series. But I have to point out that the editors have repeatedly made the mistake of mixing up a character’s name. First name Ridley, last name Calvin. Multiple characters call him Mr. Ridley, Detective Ridley, or now Governor Ridley. It just pulls me right out of the story.
I really enjoy the stories in this series and also the S.W.O.R.D series. But I have to point out that the editors have repeatedly made the mistake of mixing up a character’s name. First name Ridley, last name Calvin. Multiple characters call him Mr. Ridley, Detective Ridley, or now Governor Ridley. It just pulls me right out of the story.
March 20, 2025
Austen and the gang solve another murder, this one's on Whidbey Island, but connects to some ne'er-do-wells in Kitsap. Distractions from ambitious politicians, unscrupulous lawyers combined with missteps by the team muddy the investigate waters and this one nearly turns into an all out cluster until cooler minds and help from a few influential friends get's everything back on track.
Entertaining.
Entertaining.
March 12, 2025
Good Mystery
Nice character mix! Absolutely love the notion of smelling your emotion...Thomas didn't experience as many as before so was excited when it happened in #9!
Whole series recommended!
Nice character mix! Absolutely love the notion of smelling your emotion...Thomas didn't experience as many as before so was excited when it happened in #9!
Whole series recommended!
May 26, 2025
3.00am Finish
Couldn't put the book down and this is his best one yet. Starts a little slow but builds up quickly as does the action. A really great tale worth telling. Now for some shut-eye.
Couldn't put the book down and this is his best one yet. Starts a little slow but builds up quickly as does the action. A really great tale worth telling. Now for some shut-eye.
January 13, 2025
What did I think about this book? I thought it was time to stop reading this series. This one was almost as poor as the last one in the series. That tells me it is time to quit and move on.
June 13, 2025
This is the one that made me take the rest of the series off my want to read list. This book had every annoying writing trope possible and I think it’s the worst book I’ve read all year
June 27, 2024
Review of the Darkness at Deception Pass by DD Black
An accomplished diver, Carla, goes diving with a most disagreeable customer. This male customer does not like to follow protocol at all, especially from a woman, finding it all very annoying. While he and Carla are looking at the underwater wonders, he swims away without letting her know. Carla expends too much of her oxygen looking for him and just as she is about to surface out of necessity, she spots a body against a rocky outcrop.
The body is not that of the client, who is sitting on the shore texting on his phone. So who is it? How did he get there? How long has he been there? Did he have an accident? Was it suicide? Murder? What does Carla know? What about her client who disappeared to who knows where? Could he have been involved?
DD Black has never disappointed his readers with his mysteries. This one is no exception. This one may well be one of his best, if not the best. Any mystery requires twists and turns, engaging characters, and settings in which the readers can imagine themselves. This story has that in spades and much, much more.
If you are up for a reading treat, here is a superb story for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
An accomplished diver, Carla, goes diving with a most disagreeable customer. This male customer does not like to follow protocol at all, especially from a woman, finding it all very annoying. While he and Carla are looking at the underwater wonders, he swims away without letting her know. Carla expends too much of her oxygen looking for him and just as she is about to surface out of necessity, she spots a body against a rocky outcrop.
The body is not that of the client, who is sitting on the shore texting on his phone. So who is it? How did he get there? How long has he been there? Did he have an accident? Was it suicide? Murder? What does Carla know? What about her client who disappeared to who knows where? Could he have been involved?
DD Black has never disappointed his readers with his mysteries. This one is no exception. This one may well be one of his best, if not the best. Any mystery requires twists and turns, engaging characters, and settings in which the readers can imagine themselves. This story has that in spades and much, much more.
If you are up for a reading treat, here is a superb story for you. I highly recommend it.
Fritzi Redgrave
November 18, 2024
Dude, Austin just attracts the ladies, doesn't he? Lol. I love Sy... and I've warmed up to Kendall as well... obviously, I love that Run has Ralph as a buddy. Maybe little Corgi pups later in the series? Also, the first mention of the SWORD task force!!! That's my next series after this one. I'm so glad that John Doe has a name: Flagg. As the ending was wrapping up, im like, "What about the 3rd vic?" Sy and Claire's friendship is my favorite part of this. Congrats to Andy as well for the most fabulous promotion ever! I was hoping for a Sam and Andy romance, but Sam got married (I think that was a couple of books ago, idr). Lucy should just be Sheriff already, or if she doesn't want it, it should go to Austin. But maybe a new person will be elected??? It's clear im not in it for the great cases anymore (jk, this one was gruesome though), but the characters... I'm here for them. Onto the next!
June 30, 2024
A local diver finds the body of an elderly man under Deception Pass. It's called in anonymously and Thomas -now a detective in the Kitsap PD soon finds two other deaths that seem the same. Elderly people dead in water with rocks in their pockets either suicide or murder.
It's difficult to ID the body as there is no wallet or other identification. The trail leads them to various nursing homes in search of information. It's a sad story of extreme elder abuse but it takes a while to get there.
There's also a local Councilman making headlines that the Sheriff's dept has a bloated budget and why was Thomas hired. Somehow, there's always a bad guy in the political arena making it difficult for the dept to do their jobs.
It doesn't get interesting until the last thrid of the book -at best a 3.25 for this one.
It's difficult to ID the body as there is no wallet or other identification. The trail leads them to various nursing homes in search of information. It's a sad story of extreme elder abuse but it takes a while to get there.
There's also a local Councilman making headlines that the Sheriff's dept has a bloated budget and why was Thomas hired. Somehow, there's always a bad guy in the political arena making it difficult for the dept to do their jobs.
It doesn't get interesting until the last thrid of the book -at best a 3.25 for this one.
July 9, 2024
A great addition to a wonderful series!
I am always eager to start the next book. The plots are fresh and enticing and the characters continue to be developed and become more familiar. I love the new direction of Thomas Austin’s personal life and the growing connection with him and his new partner. Things are looking up instead of down and yet D.D. Black always keeps it real.
Each crime story has an original twist to it and a curious challenge not to be ignored. The writing flows and the read is engaging – thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended…I received an opportunity to read and offer an honest and voluntary review.
I am always eager to start the next book. The plots are fresh and enticing and the characters continue to be developed and become more familiar. I love the new direction of Thomas Austin’s personal life and the growing connection with him and his new partner. Things are looking up instead of down and yet D.D. Black always keeps it real.
Each crime story has an original twist to it and a curious challenge not to be ignored. The writing flows and the read is engaging – thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended…I received an opportunity to read and offer an honest and voluntary review.
September 17, 2024
Surprisingly Good
I was pleasantly surprised with this installment as I was unsure it would continue to hold my attention now that Austin's focus has shifted. The horrendous acts inflicted upon the elderly were infuriating, but in the end, justice was served, and no new innocents had to pay with their lives. Kendall and Austin are the perfect law enforcement duo, while he and Sy are the perfect couple. I can't wait for he and Sy to start a family as the hints of a new life being created are abundant. On to Book #10! Happy Reading!
I was pleasantly surprised with this installment as I was unsure it would continue to hold my attention now that Austin's focus has shifted. The horrendous acts inflicted upon the elderly were infuriating, but in the end, justice was served, and no new innocents had to pay with their lives. Kendall and Austin are the perfect law enforcement duo, while he and Sy are the perfect couple. I can't wait for he and Sy to start a family as the hints of a new life being created are abundant. On to Book #10! Happy Reading!
January 6, 2025
Elder victomology
Austin and his partner, Kendall become involved in series of murders that involve the elderly and discover some things even more sinister. The Kitsap Sheriff’s department becomes the personal target of one of the county Commissioners who seeks to undermine the department making the their jobs even more difficult. Challenges and obstacle abound and a potentially lethal cyberattack on medical records also comes into play. Another fast paced and exciting read. Two more books in this series and moving on to DD Black’s FBI series.
Austin and his partner, Kendall become involved in series of murders that involve the elderly and discover some things even more sinister. The Kitsap Sheriff’s department becomes the personal target of one of the county Commissioners who seeks to undermine the department making the their jobs even more difficult. Challenges and obstacle abound and a potentially lethal cyberattack on medical records also comes into play. Another fast paced and exciting read. Two more books in this series and moving on to DD Black’s FBI series.
June 23, 2024
Awesome Book !
Another excellent book by DD Black, I’ve have enjoyed reading every one of his books, and this is no exception. I love where this series is going, it'sawesome, I like that there was a little crossover with the S.W.O.R.D . series as well in it . I really enjoyed the storyline on this one very much, as well as all the wonderful locations he always includes in his books. This is a 5+ star book !
Another excellent book by DD Black, I’ve have enjoyed reading every one of his books, and this is no exception. I love where this series is going, it'sawesome, I like that there was a little crossover with the S.W.O.R.D . series as well in it . I really enjoyed the storyline on this one very much, as well as all the wonderful locations he always includes in his books. This is a 5+ star book !
June 29, 2024
Another great read
Back on the police force with his partner, Kendall, the department is taking heat from a city commissioner. Seemingly having not one good thing to say about the department, he causes a media event to discredit them, as they have been unable to find the perpetrator of several murders. A great story line, good action -packed scenes, I can hardly wait for the next book!
Back on the police force with his partner, Kendall, the department is taking heat from a city commissioner. Seemingly having not one good thing to say about the department, he causes a media event to discredit them, as they have been unable to find the perpetrator of several murders. A great story line, good action -packed scenes, I can hardly wait for the next book!
July 18, 2024
Book 9 DARKNESS AT DECEPTION PASS by D.D. Black is another winner. This series is terrific. In this book, bodies are found in the water under the bridge with rocks in the pockets. Did they commit suicide or were they murdered? Detective Austin and the Kitsap Sheriff’s Department are investigating. Each book can be read in any order BUT I like to read them in order to get the back story. They are all so good you will want to read the whole series. Book 10 will be out in September.
August 9, 2024
Another great story
This is another great story full of crimes that keep you guessing as to who the criminal really is. Austin, Kendall and the rest of the Kitsap County Police Department all work well together. This book leave me excited for the next time I visit Washington State. I can't wait to visit all the points of interest mentioned in the Thomas Austin series. Point Deception is so beautiful & definitely worth a visit.
This is another great story full of crimes that keep you guessing as to who the criminal really is. Austin, Kendall and the rest of the Kitsap County Police Department all work well together. This book leave me excited for the next time I visit Washington State. I can't wait to visit all the points of interest mentioned in the Thomas Austin series. Point Deception is so beautiful & definitely worth a visit.
October 4, 2024
Get ready for the latest Thomas Austin thriller! It's packed with unexpected twists, revelations, and non-stop action. This series is consistently captivating and realistic, and Darkness is no exception. After 9 books, the characters feel like old friends, and I can't wait to see what happens next. The details are vivid and realistic. I highly recommend this series and urge you to give it a try. I received a review copy from the author at my request, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews